DFW International Airport Executive Named Chairman of Airport Minority Advisory Council

DFW International Airport, Texas (June 10, 2008) - Don O’Bannon, DFW International Airport’s vice president for Small and Emerging Business, has been named Chairman of the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC). O’Bannon will lead the group over the next 24 months, while continuing his industry-leading efforts at DFW to assist Disadvantaged, Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (DMWBEs).  

O’Bannon was elected at the annual AMAC conference in Indianapolis, Indiana held May 31 – June 3. O’Bannon had served on the AMAC board for the past year as the second vice chair and has been involved with the national organization since arriving at DFW.  

“As the new Chairman of Airport Minority Advisory Council, I would like to work with the FAA to encourage policies and procedures that address the economic realities of DMWBE's doing business in an airport environment,” said O’Bannon. “The Council strives to ensure that new opportunities are made available to all business, both large and small.”  

O’Bannon has led the Small and Emerging Business Department at DFW for the past six years, making the program a shining example of best practices within the aviation business. 

“DFW has a world class Small and Emerging Business Department that has received recognition from many segments of the business community,” said Jeff Fegan, DFW’s CEO. “Don and his team have brought greater competition to the marketplace, for not only the Airport for but the whole DFW region. Small businesses have had the chance at DFW to work on big projects and then leverage their success for additional work outside of the airport environment.”

O’Bannon is a graduate of Dartmouth College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree, and the University of Virginia, where he attained his law degree. O’Bannon continues to maintain his law license.  

O’Bannon currently serves on the Board of the African Chamber of Commerce, Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board and Airport Council International Diversity Committee. He has won numerous awards for his service to the minority and women owned business community. In 2007 O’Bannon received the Luna Award for Business Advocate of the Year from the Hispanic Contractors Association DFW, was named Public Sector Advocate of the Year by the Black Contractors Association, and received the Outstanding Diversity Executive Award from the Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce. O’Bannon was also recognized in Minority Business News magazine as one of the most Influential African American Leaders in Texas. 

AMAC believes strongly that the inclusion of more minority-owned and womenowned businesses in airports makes good business sense and reflects the communities and markets these airports serve. As the industry grows, airports continue to increase and expand, furthering the enormous opportunity – amounting to billions of dollars annually in construction, procurement, professional services and concession contracts at our nation’s airports.